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Intro Course

Data Storytelling

edX Boot Camps

Learn to build a compelling narrative that drives business decisions using data. You will use Google Data Studio, basic design principles, and a no-code approach to storytelling to transform data points into powerful visuals. This course is ideal for early career professionals working to rise to strategic roles.

This course is ideal for those interested in building their professional toolkit and growing their career with hard skills, such as:

Google Data Studio and dashboard creation
Fundamental visual design principles
Visualization and presentation tools

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Raw data translation into accessible visualizations for non-technical audiences.
Visual design theories and data analysis skills to help convey meaning

The importance of effective storytelling

Raw data translation into accessible visualizations for non-technical audiences.
Visual design theories and data analysis skills to help convey meaning
The importance of effective storytelling

Syllabus

Visual Design

Learn how data visualizations help people process and understand large amounts of information.

Determine the best type of visualization to use for specific datasets and purposes.

Create data visualizations in Google Data Studio.

Customize data visualizations for clarity and visual appeal.

Data Reports

Explore why visual comparisons matter and learn to pick the right chart.

Describe why data visualization is an effective summarization tool.

Identify cognitive clutter and how to combat it.

Explain how the use of charts, supportive text, and layout all provide emphasis.

Build a report with best visual-design practices in mind.

Data Dashboards

Find out how businesses use dashboards.

Explore the differences between reports and dashboards.

Master graphic design principles for dashboards.

Create a layout for a dashboard that meets a business need, looks appealing, and is easy to read.

Create charts in a dashboard in Google Data Studio that meet a business need, and are easy to read and interpret.

Use filters and controls with a Google Data Studio dashboard.

Storytelling with Data

Identify storytelling elements.

Explain the importance of effective storytelling.

Create a dashboard that enlightens and engages viewers.

Incorporate multiple pages into a data story to create an informative dashboard.

Identify and practice effective presentation tools and techniques.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches how to translate raw data into accessible visualizations that non-technical audiences can grasp

Builds a foundation in visual design and data analysis skills, strengthening one's ability to effectively convey meaning

Develops competencies in using Google Data Studio and dashboard creation, highly sought-after skills in industry

Examines the importance of effective storytelling, an essential skill for strategic decision-making

Provides a thorough overview of visual design, including learning how to choose the best type of visualization for specific datasets and purposes

Utilizes Google Data Studio, an industry-leading tool for data visualization and dashboard creation

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Intro Course: Data Storytelling with these activities:

Review the book 'Storytelling with Data' by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic

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Reading 'Storytelling with Data' will provide insights into the effective communication of data-driven insights.

View Daphne Draws Data: A Storytelling with Data... on Amazon

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Read the book
Take notes and highlight important concepts
Reflect on the lessons learned and their application to data visualization

Review basic design principles

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Reviewing basic design principles will provide a foundation for understanding the concepts of data visualization.

Browse courses on Design Principles

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Read about basic design principles
Watch videos or tutorials on design principles
Practice applying design principles to design mockups

Follow tutorials on visual design

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Following tutorials will deepen understanding of design principles and how they apply to data visualization for effective communication.

Browse courses on Visual Design

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Find tutorials on visual design
Follow the tutorials and practice designing visual elements
Experiment with different elements of visual design

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Participate in online forums or discussion groups

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Participating in discussions will allow for peer learning and the exchange of ideas, enhancing understanding of concepts.

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Join online forums or discussion groups related to data visualization or storytelling
Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share insights
Review and reflect on the discussions and apply learnings

Follow tutorials on Google Data Studio

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Following tutorials will provide hands-on experience with Google Data Studio, helping to develop proficiency in using the tool.

Browse courses on Google Data Studio

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Find tutorials on Google Data Studio
Follow the tutorials and create data visualizations
Experiment with different features and settings in Google Data Studio

Design a poster or infographic that visually communicates data

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Creating a poster or infographic will test the ability to present data visually, highlighting the key takeaways and providing an engaging experience.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Gather data and determine the key message
Design a layout and visuals that effectively convey the message
Use principles of visual design and data visualization to create a compelling poster or infographic
Review and refine the design based on feedback or self-assessment

Create a dashboard using Google Data Studio

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Creating a dashboard will apply the concepts of data visualization and storytelling, while also providing a practical demonstration of using Google Data Studio.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Gather data and determine the goal of the dashboard
Design the layout and structure of the dashboard
Create data visualizations and add them to the dashboard
Add filters, controls, and interactions to the dashboard
Review and refine the dashboard based on feedback or self-assessment

Write a blog or article about data visualization

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Writing a blog or article will solidify the understanding of data visualization concepts and help develop communication skills.

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Choose a topic related to data visualization
Research and gather information on the topic
Write the blog or article, ensuring clear and concise communication
Edit and proofread the written piece
Share the blog or article with others for feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Intro Course: Data Storytelling will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

User Experience (UX) Designer

User Experience Design places people at the center of their work. UX Designers create experiences and products that are both user-friendly and visually appealing. This course will help you build a strong foundation in visual design principles, which are essential for creating user interfaces that are both intuitive and aesthetically pleasing. You will also learn how to communicate your design ideas effectively through storytelling, which is a key skill for UX Designers who need to be able to convey their vision to clients and stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer

Interaction Designer

Interaction Designers create interactive experiences for users, often in the form of websites, apps, and other digital products. This course will help you build a strong foundation in visual design principles, which are essential for creating interactive experiences that are both engaging and visually appealing. You will also learn how to communicate your design ideas effectively through storytelling, which is a key skill for Interaction Designers who need to be able to convey their vision to clients and stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interaction Designer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course will help you build a strong foundation in data visualization, which is essential for communicating data insights effectively. You will also learn how to create compelling narratives that drive business decisions, which is a key skill for Data Analysts who need to be able to communicate their findings to non-technical audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Information Architect

Information Architects design and organize the structure and content of websites, apps, and other digital products. This course will help you build a strong foundation in visual design principles, which are essential for creating information architectures that are both intuitive and visually appealing. You will also learn how to communicate your design ideas effectively through storytelling, which is a key skill for Information Architects who need to be able to convey their vision to clients and stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation and other written materials to help users understand and use complex products and services. This course will help you build a strong foundation in visual design principles, which are essential for creating technical documentation that is both clear and visually appealing. You will also learn how to communicate your ideas effectively through storytelling, which is a key skill for Technical Writers who need to be able to convey complex information to non-technical audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Graphic designer

Graphic Designers create visual content for websites, apps, and other digital products. This course will help you build a strong foundation in visual design principles, which are essential for creating visual content that is both visually appealing and engaging. You will also learn how to communicate your ideas effectively through storytelling, which is a key skill for Graphic Designers who need to be able to convey their vision to clients and stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Product Designer

Product Designers create products that are both useful and desirable. This course will help you build a strong foundation in visual design principles, which are essential for creating products that are both visually appealing and user-friendly. You will also learn how to communicate your design ideas effectively through storytelling, which is a key skill for Product Designers who need to be able to convey their vision to clients and stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Content Strategist

Content Strategists plan and create content for websites, apps, and other digital products. This course will help you build a strong foundation in visual design principles, which are essential for creating content that is both visually appealing and engaging. You will also learn how to communicate your ideas effectively through storytelling, which is a key skill for Content Strategists who need to be able to convey their vision to clients and stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Strategist

User Researcher

User Researchers conduct research to understand user needs and behaviors. This course will help you build a strong foundation in data visualization, which is essential for communicating research findings effectively. You will also learn how to create compelling narratives that drive business decisions, which is a key skill for User Researchers who need to be able to communicate their findings to non-technical audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Researcher

Data Visualization Specialist

Data Visualization Specialists create visual representations of data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course will help you build a strong foundation in data visualization, which is essential for communicating data insights effectively. You will also learn how to create compelling narratives that drive business decisions, which is a key skill for Data Visualization Specialists who need to be able to communicate their findings to non-technical audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Specialist

Art Director

Art Directors oversee the visual design of websites, apps, and other digital products. This course will help you build a strong foundation in visual design principles, which are essential for creating visual content that is both visually appealing and engaging. You will also learn how to communicate your ideas effectively through storytelling, which is a key skill for Art Directors who need to be able to convey their vision to clients and stakeholders.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead sales teams to achieve sales goals. This course may be useful for developing the storytelling skills needed to effectively communicate the value of products and services to potential customers.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This course may be useful for developing the visual design skills needed to create marketing materials that are both visually appealing and engaging.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes to identify areas for improvement. This course may be useful for developing the data visualization skills needed to effectively communicate complex business data to stakeholders.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects to achieve specific goals. This course may be useful for developing the storytelling skills needed to effectively communicate project progress and outcomes to stakeholders.

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Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Intro Course: Data Storytelling.

Storytelling with You

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Providing an overview of data storytelling across multiple industries, this book focuses on the fundamentals of data storytelling as well as advanced techniques. Unlike other books on this reading list, this one includes a deep chapter on storytelling specifically for business professionals.

Intro Course

Data Storytelling

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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